Robert Ashton, is an entrepreneur, business author and challenging. His books including "'How to Sell' are published by Hamlyn Visit www.robertashton.co.uk to find out more. Robert has agreed to contribute a regular column to ‘Wising UP!’ so this is part of our new “Ten Ways...” series.

Even the most dedicated, hard working entrepreneur needs to take a holiday sometimes. Robert Ashton offers ideas to help the workaholic in you plan some time out this summer

 

 

 

 

1. Mark the calendar. Holidays won’t happen unless you plan them. If you can’t manage to take a fortnight, why not take a short break away and also take one day off a week during the summer. Blank out those days and keep them free.

2. Delegate! Taking a holiday is a great way to let your team prove that they can manage without you. If they do a good job whilst you’re away, let them carry on running the show when you return!

3. Forget the phone. Ringing the office from abroad is costly and spoils your holiday. Leave the mobile locked in your car at the airport.

4. Buy a book. Find out who is writing about new ideas in your industry. Buy their latest book and read it on the beach. Call this ‘work’ and you’ll feel better!

5. Write some cheques. If you sign the cheques, make sure that you’ve written the important ones (wages, tax and VAT) before you go.

 

 

 

 

6. Forward emails. If you’re a heavy email user, make sure you set your emails to forward to one of the team and if necessary leave your PC on so it happens. Do not check emails from abroad, it’s as bad as phoning in.

Now – if yours is one of the 70% of businesses that has no employees to share the burden, here are four tips just for you.

7. Ask a friend. Get someone you network with and trust to field your emails, calls and post. Then, do the same for them when they go away.

8. Close the door. If you work regularly for a few clients, warn them you’re going on holiday and shut the door. New enquiries can wait until you’re back.

9. The 10 month year. For many of us, August and December are quiet months. Plan to earn your budgeted income in ten months a year and enjoy the rest.

 

 

 

 

10. Volunteer. Perhaps your business is really young, you work alone, perhaps even a £99 last minute break in a caravan at Mablethorpe is beyond your means. Check out the internet and find a volunteering holiday. Build a wall, clear some woodland or help some people worse off than yourself.

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